Report: Miami Dolphins LT Jake Long has torn biceps

Yesterday on Twitter we mentioned that Jake Long left the game late in the first quarter with what appeared to be an injury to his right biceps. Sure enough, ESPN’s Chris Mortensenreported late Saturday night (scroll to the bottom) that Long did in fact tear his biceps.

That means Long likely won’t be in the lineup next Sunday against the Jets as the Dolphins try to knock them out of the playoff race. Second-year veteran John Jerry filled in for Long on Sunday and should get the start next week.

It’s yet another injury for Long, the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2008 who has suffered a litany of injuries over the past two seasons. Long has hurt both knees — one of which required him to begin training camp on the PUP list — had offseason shoulder surgery last January and missed his first career game two weeks ago against Buffalo with a lower back injury, snapping his 61-game streak of consecutive starts. He returned to the lineup yesterday in New England, but lasted less than a quarter before suffering the biceps tear.

Perhaps the latest injury is a blessing in disguise, as Long can sit out the final game and avoid further wear and tear on his back, knees and shoulder as he heads into the offseason. Long had every reason to sit out yesterday’s game, but as he proved yesterday, he’s too much of a competitor to take himself out of a game.